The opinions and assumptions that we hold on to about ourselves, other people and life is general are our beliefs. Our beliefs formed from our life experiences and interactions may strengthen or weaken us.
Although, we have no control over others and the world in general, at all times, we can have full control over ourselves. We often trick ourselves to find evidence to support all our beliefs, whether they be empowering or binding. Wisdom lies in breaking free from our own internal demons by identifying and challenging our mistaken beliefs and replacing them with more functional and helpful beliefs.
To begin with, list down all the misguided beliefs that have stopped you from reaching your potential. If you often tell yourself that I can’t, I will not be able to achieve, that I am not smart enough, not intelligent enough, that I will not be able to learn, cannot handle, not capable to do this or that, just not good enough, write them all down. This “I CAN’T” mentality boxes us up. No one is perfect. Everyone is uniquely imperfect and good enough!
By writing them down, you are making peace with yourself and getting ready to face your demons head-on!
Here's how you can free yourself from your limiting beliefs:
Use the STOPP Strategy, every time these illogical beliefs raise their head and affect your behaviour, thoughts or action.
STOP -When You have self-doubt, you fear the worst, you think you cannot. Stopp – when you feel you are getting emotionally drained. Stopp someone says that you cannot do it!
Take a breath – mindfulness. Slow deep breath
Observe yourself—self-regulate.
Pull back and put in perspective – thoughts are just thoughts, random flitting ideas they are not facts, think differently from different perspectives.
Proceed with a big smile – with faith and goal in mind.
Practise STOPP by working through each of the steps several times a day, every day...even when you don’t need it. Start using it whenever you become aware of that a belief is posing as a hurdle for you. Try and make it a habit!
Practise AFFIRMATIONS – What we tell ourselves is more important than what others tell us.
Affirmations help us address our negative self-talk. Such scripted affirmationsPractise AFFIRMATIONS – What we tell ourselves is more important than what others tell us., used throughout the day, will help you stay on track.
I can do this… I believe in myself.
I am confident and capable.
I will learn.
I will find a way to make this work.
I will not repeat my mistakes, but make new ones.
Failure makes me strong, I will try again.
I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL - I AM GOOD ENOUGH
Why don’t you take a moment to replace all your limiting beliefs with affirmations? Note these and put them in your eyes view. Practice makes it permanent.
For some, questions may work better than affirmations. By asking questions, we focus on solutions and start thinking proactively to take decisive action towards better possibilities.
What is the source of my belief? Is it a person or an experience?
Looking objectively, how true is the belief?
How do I grow out of this limitation?
By changing my perception, what I can believe instead that will be more helpful to me?
What thoughts, behaviour, decisions and actions will strengthen the new belief?
I understand that this isn’t easy.
Our limiting beliefs have been built over our life-time and will take a significant amount of will-power and introspection to challenge them. You will need to keep on working on yourself. But, that is the only way to grow and it will be worth it!
Do let me know whether this article helped you and how. #beliefs #limitingbeliefs #youcan #mistakenbeliefs
